Recyclization of Pyrrolediones with Arylaminoindenones. Synthesis of Indeno[1,2-b]pyridines

Dimethyl 1-aryl-4,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2,3-dicarboxylates reacted with 3-arylamino-1H-inden-1-ones to give the corresponding methyl 1-aryl-3-[2-(arylamino)-2-oxoacetyl]-2,5-dioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-indeno[1,2-b]pyridine-4-carboxylates.